(Newser)
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The Houston Astros announced yesterday that they have hired Ed Wade as their new general manager. Wade, who was GM for the Philadelphia Phillies from 1998 to 2005, replaces recently axed Tim Purpura. Astros owner Drayton McLane cited Wade's focus on "player development" as one factor that influenced the hiring decision, reports ESPN.

Although Wade was fired by Philadelphia for failing to lead his team to the playoffs, the acquisition of nearly all of the currently contending Phillies dates back to his tenure. Wade beat out several other candidates for the job, including former GMs Dan Evans (Dodgers) and Bob Watson (Astros), and Wade's own former assistant GM Ruben Armaro Jr.